Resources
Do you enjoy ATP, staying informed, and getting involved with your communituy? Here are some of ATP's favorite resources to explore.
Call your Legislator
Calling your legislator is one of the best ways to get involved in your community. It is also one of the best ways to make sure your elected officials hear your voice, your opinions, and your concerns. Calling a legislator shows commitment to an issue. ​
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How will one phone call influence policy or change someone's mind?
If no one calls, nothing will happen. It is quite literally the job of these people to listen to you. Calling a legislator builds pressure on important issues, and also serves as a reminder of what is important to the people they serve. Think of it like this: if a legislator gets one thousand calls from constituents saying that they will vote against them in the next election if they take a certain stance on a bill, they might think twice about their position and change their vote.​
Who do I talk to? How do I do it?
Below are all of the resources you will need to call your elected representatives. Download the All Teen Politics' Guide to Calling a Legislator to get a step-by-step breakdown of the process. Listed next to the document are two other resources referenced in our guide that will be useful for you. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions!
Podcasts
The Daily (The New York Times)
"This is how the news should sound. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise and powered by New York Times journalism."
Global News Podcast (The BBC)
"The day’s top stories from BBC News, including the latest on the Middle East conflict – bringing you developments from Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and Iran. Delivered twice a day on weekdays, daily at weekends.
Youtube
Jubilee
"Provoke understanding & create human connection."
Discover your news bias
Take this quiz to reveal and understand your news bias. Do you tend to get your news from sources that are left-leaning, or right-leaning? Do your news sources tend to tell one-sided stories or fail to give context on an important issue? You can use this quiz to understand your news and to understand where you might develop a bias. From there do your research and try to expand your news sources. Consuming a variety of news is crucial to get the bigger picture and to understand all sides of the issue at hand. Bias exists in everyone and in every news source. But it's up to us to recognize that bias.
How to Find Political Internships (in the US)
Three good starting points when looking for political internships are with a local campaign, the "official" office of one of your representatives, or with a nonprofit.
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Campaign Internships
Find a local candidate running for office. This could be a race for the US House, US Senate, a state Senator or Representative, Governor, etc. Generally speaking, it will be easier to secure an internship for a local race where you have connections and a grasp of the community/voters. If you identify a candidate you would like to work for but there isn't a specific application, send an email and call if possible (the best option). This is a great way to break into the field and make connections to land further jobs. Alternatively, you could start by volunteering for the campaign, get to know the staff that way, and then pursue an internship (which is hopefully paid).
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"Official" Government Office Internships
Another phenomenal opportunity worth exploring is an internship with a government office. This could be for any level of government you are interested in. For example, your representative in the US House will have an office in DC and a district office. Pursuing a "hill" internship (on Capitol Hill in DC) is logistically harder if you don't live in the area, making the home district office a great alternative. This type of internship is often a better fit for students in college (many offices only consider undergraduate and graduate students).
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Nonprofit Organization Internship
Interning in the voluntary sector can be an incredible way to gain experience and work for a specific cause you care deeply about. Brainstorm a policy area, community need, or issue you are passionate about, and search for a local nonprofit dedicated to that area of work. This is a great way to impact your community, build connections, and grow professional skills.
Start a LinkedIn account
LinkedIn is a great tool for making connections and finding opportunities. There is a great network of support for teens interested in politics, policy, and law to explore. Check to see what others in your area are doing to get involved and connect with people you work with and meet. ATP's biggest tip: when researching what others are working on, remember that everyone is on their own path and try not to compare experiences.